I worked at a nursing home to pay for college. One quiet little lady was turning 103 the next day. We asked her if she was looking forward to it. She thought a moment and then said “ You know, I don’t think I want to be 103.”

She died that night.

I am in my 60s now. I’d be happy to get to 80. I miss my parents. I miss my dogs and cats that have died. I miss more and more people every year. I’m okay with joining those I love, whether in an afterlife or just as part of the elements of the universe.

Getting old hurts. Not being able to do things for yourself is really hard. I can’t imagine wanting many decades of all this. I’m not afraid to die. I don’t want to rush it, but when it comes it’s just the last big transition.